Michelin Challenge Design Display Shifts to Automotive Hall of Fame

First displayed at the 2003 North American International Auto Show, models and drawings focusing on French design to be on display for public at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich.

DEARBORN, Mich., March 13 -- The 2003 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) may be over, but the Michelin(R) Challenge Design(TM) display lives on at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn, Mich. The exhibit, on display through Apr. 2, 2003 focuses on the rich history of French design -- past, present and future.

On display are five scale models and designs from 13 countries. The designs were part of the first official Michelin Challenge Design event, which was established in 2002 as a way to bring forward and display significant design work that would not normally have the opportunity to be displayed at a major international auto show.

"The Michelin Challenge Design exhibit is all about great automotive design, and we are very pleased that we are able to give the public more time to enjoy it," said Jeffrey Leestma, president of the Automotive Hall of Fame. "Part of our mission at the Automotive Hall of Fame is to not only educate people, but also to get them excited about this great industry."

"Michelin is committed to advancing mobility," said Tom Chubb, vice president of OE marketing, Michelin Automotive Industry Division. "For us, sharing the works of these individuals with the public is a great way to extend our passion and love of great design. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this special exhibit, and the other exhibits at the Automotive Hall of Fame."

Complete information on the Michelin Challenge Design event, including entry requirements, themes, news and details, is available at www.michelinchallengedesign.com .

In 2002, Edouard and Andre Michelin, the founding brothers of the Michelin Group were inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame. Their story, along with nearly 200 other Hall of Fame inductees, is on display at the Hall of Fame.

The Automotive Hall of Fame is the highest place of honor in the international motor vehicle industry. It is the only industry-wide means to honor the men and women of the global motor vehicle and related industries. It is dedicated to preserving the history of mobility by celebrating the creativity, toil and genius of the individual. The Automotive Hall of Fame is a visitor attraction and an educational resource for inspiring others to higher levels of achievement in their own work and lives. The Automotive Hall of Fame is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., with admission $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, children are $3 and children under 4 years of age are free.

Michelin manufactures and sells tires for every type of vehicle, including airplanes, automobiles, bicycles, earthmovers, farm equipment, heavy-duty trucks and the space shuttle. The company also publishes travel guides, maps and atlases covering Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. Headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Michelin North America (www.michelin.com ) employs 24,640 people and operates 22 plants in 18 locations.